“ ‘Maktub… in your language would be something like‘it is written’ ” (59). Santiago has recently settled down in the comfortable crystal shop when he realizes he must continue on with his own Personal Legend. The crystal merchant introduces maktub to Santiago. Leaving was a difficult decision for Santiago as he was uncertain of what would ensue if he were to leave and enter the unknown. As Santiago begins his quest, he is relaxed with the reassurance that all of his actions are in the context of fate which God has written. As Santiago learns, fate always cooperates with those who pursue their Personal Legends, so as long as he remains focused on his goal, he can be at ease because his destiny has already been written.

Maktub means “It is written” in Arabic. The concept of maktub and determinism are greatly incorporated in Islam. “Determinism is the philosophical view that, given certain initial conditions, everything that ensues is bound to happen as it does and in no other possible way; thus,nothing in nature is contingent, nor is there any room for human freedom”(Marcoulesco, 1399). This statement shows how fate is the major determinant of one’s destiny and that no outer force can disrupt it. Even one’s self does not obtain the ability to change their own destiny. Maktub, thus, is a key principle to those who are Islamic. The religion of Islam also believes thatmajor events are fated and decreed by God: many [followers] are thus optimistic of their future and destiny which God has already planned out (Marcoulesco, 3201).

“From a mystical point of view, it [Maktub] points to the fact that whatever happens is already known to the One. It signifies destiny exists and points a finger to the fact that everything is already known to God” (Technology of the Heart). Maktub indicates that He has written all and people should not fear because everything happens for a reason and we are all in His hands. God understands what is to come in our lives because He did write our destinies. Maktub is also a central component in the Koran from which Muslims follow strict guidelines on how to live a perfect life in the eyes of God.

This image is of something being unlocked with maktub and its meaning written in the center of it. This is symbolic of one unlocking their fates and living their destiny through use of following their personal legends. Santiago attempts to follow his personal legend and ends up unlocking his destiny of finding his treasure. This image also shows how following and accoplishing oa Personal Legend is a tough lock to pick but it can be done because it is God’s will.